In response to feedback from neighboring businesses and concerns regarding safety and liability, the private property owner of the "Graffiti Garage" at 723-737 Broadway in Tacoma has made the decision to limit its use to that of a commercial parking garage, effective Nov. 1.

City compliance and enforcement efforts related to this decision will begin on Nov. 4. The private property owner will work with the Downtown Tacoma Business Improvement Area and the City of Tacoma in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

"We thank the private property owner of this space for making it available in 2008 and for sharing in Tacoma’s vision of creating a place for the expression of a unique urban art form cultivated by some very talented and diverse local artists," said Tacoma Arts Administrator Amy McBride. "Unfortunately – as referenced in a public notice issued by the private property owner – as the popularity of this place grew over the years, it also morphed into a very popular gathering place for events that have far exceeded its intended use, in both scale and purpose. Community conversations are underway to find alternate spaces for our local artists to consider as they share in efforts to help realize our joint vision for a safer, more beautiful and more vibrant Tacoma."

Effective Nov. 1, the garage's hours of operation as a commercial parking facility for monthly parking and validated vehicles will be Monday - Friday, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Vehicles are not allowed to park there on Saturdays and Sundays, and vehicles left in the garage after 8 p.m. on weekdays, or any time on weekends, may be impounded at the vehicle owner’s expense.